I didn't get bothered by my team that much upon my return to the barracks, many of them were still used to light duties during my absence so I figured I'd give them a few days before I start to increase their workload. I spent the entire day with Dawnstar in the lab after I wished Chaser a happy birthday, he did visit me again at one point in an attempt to find out what Sunny's surprise for him was.

Whilst I was with Dawnstar I explained my plans to develop a shotgun and machine gun, she said that she'd look into developing some shells based on what I told her about shotgun shells back home. As she began developing plans for the creation of shells and a smoothbore barrel to be used for the weapon, I set to work on continuing to clean and repair the internal parts of my SA-80. Despite my earlier optimism of repairing the rifle, upon examining the parts of the rifle I found many of them to be inoperable. The firing pin retaining pin was heavily dented and cracked, the gas plug was torn down the middle leaving the shell peeled back and the tip of the firing pin was missing. Unless I could manufacture new parts or could magically get replacements, there would be little chance of repairing it.

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Draining the last of my tea, I rest the mug on the surface of my desk as I flick through the last few pages of the local newspaper. As my eyes scan over the last few stories, I lean back in my chair and lift my feet to rest against the desk. After a couple of minutes, there is a rapid succession of knocks before the door opens up. Lifting my head, I glance to Luna as she enters and closes the door behind her. Grinning, she lifts a hoof to point at my feet, "Comfy?"

Folding the newspaper, I drop it on the pile of paperwork, "I'm allowed to relax in my office."

Stepping around the desk, Luna joins alongside me as she places a soft kiss on my cheek. "So, what did my sister ask of you?"

"Just the usual stuff, my plans for the Rangers and potential future developments." I could probably tell Luna that her sister was actually asking what I wanted to do with her, but I reckon it would be better not to inform her that her sister is being overprotective.

"And what are your plans?"

Grinning, I lift my index finger and tap it against my nose, "Just classified research programmes. Nothing fancy."

Luna chuckles as she saunters through into my bedroom, "It's good to see that you understand the meaning of classified."

"Of course I do," I respond as I climb out of my seat to follow her. "I would be a pretty shitty officer if I couldn't retain classified information. Now, why have you immediately gone into my bedroom? Wasn't last night and this morning enough for you?" I tease her as I wiggle my eyebrows.

Luna rolls her eyes as she looks back at me, "Is sex on the brain with you?"

"Not always... just at certain times."

"So you claim." Grinning, Luna climbs onto my bed and looks back to me, "So, have you figured out what the training will be on tonight."

Sitting on the bed, I begin to unzip my boots, "I have a few ideas. If we have the possibility of going to the Badlands in the future, I think the team need some experience in fighting in that climate."

"Fighting in deserts and plains? Does that mean you want to access your physical memories? Since you did actually fight in a similar environment, I suppose it makes sense."

Kicking off my boots, I quickly strip out of my trousers and shirt before folding them on the end of the bed. "It's a good idea, but no. I don't exactly want to relieve some of the fights I had in Afghanistan. Besides, most of the kit we used there will be out of reach of the Guard for years. No, it would be better to keep with lower levels of technology."

"So, what do you propose?"

"I think that focusing on a battle in the desert would be the most beneficial to the Rangers, maybe we could even throw in a night battle as well." Shuffling against the sheets of my bed, I lie down alongside Luna as I rest my head on the pillow. "I have the perfect battle for it. October 1942, the second battle of El Alamein."

"1942?" Luna asks as she tilts her head. "Isn't that during the Second World War?"

"It is. The battle itself took place during the North-Africa campaign, so we'll be fighting in a desert environment. Depending on which part of the battle you choose, we could be fighting alongside armour across the desert, fighting in the towns themselves, of even fighting through trench and tunnel networks."

"You want me to choose?"

I nod my head as I climb under the sheets, "Yeah. Pick one which you'll be able to easily maintain, it'll also be a bit of a surprise to me."

Luna cocks a brow as she watches me climb into bed, "So you get to relax in bed whilst I try to maintain a dream for your team?"

Grinning I peel the side of the quilt from underneath Luna, "You could always join me. There is no reason for you to stand on the same spot whilst you do... whatever there is you've got to do."

Luna chuckles as she climbs into bed with me and pulls the quilt over us, "You don't think I need to be awake in order to manipulate the dreamscape, do you? Granted, it is easier to do it with multiple ponies whilst I'm awake, but I can still do it in my sleep. I used to stay awake at night to perform my duties and sleep through the day. That seems to be another thing you've influenced, since you've arrived I've found myself staying up during the day."

Shuffling my position so that I'm lying behind Luna, I wrap my arms around her back as I start to remove the straps holding her breastplate to her chest. "It's like I told you last night, the nights are more tranquil allowing you to spend time with those you care for and to drift off into a peaceful slumber." As I unclip the strap on the rear of Luna's neck, I peel the breastplate away from her body and rest in on the bedside table as she removes her crown and shoes with her magic.

As I wrap my arms around Luna's waist and pull her close, she rests her head against the pillow as her eyes lock onto mine. "But sometimes, it's better to enjoy the beauty of the night."

Smiling, I lift my hand and gently caress Luna's cheek with my palm, "And your nights truly are a thing of beauty." Pausing, I slowly shake my head as I chuckle softly, "You've turned me into a bloody softie. Luna, you do realise that if I go away to the Badlands, that means I probably won't see you for a while."

Luna's expression gradually drops as she looks to me, "I know. But we can figure something out, even if we can only see one another in the dreamscape." Leaning her head closer, she places a light kiss on my lips as her horn illuminates. As she pulls back, a wave of magic washes over my body causing me to immediately feel light headed as my eyes rapidly shut. As I feel my head press deeper into the pillow, I quickly drift off to sleep as I keep hold of Luna in my arms.

A cool breeze runs over my face as the sounds of my surrounding begin to hit my ears, as I adjust to the dream I'm able to make out the sounds of various soldiers conversing and moving around. Opening my eyes, I find myself staring at the roof of a tent as I slowly sit up in my cot and begin to rub my eyes. Looking to the left I'm able to see my entire team spread out in various cots as they all slowly regain their senses, flicking my head to the right I can see Luna in her own cot as she seems to be examing my uniform.

Looking down at my own body I'm able to see a set of tan boots secured around my feet with a pair of wool socks which are pulled up just below my kneecap. Instead of wearing a pair of trousers I instead seem to be wearing a set of tan shorts, since we're at the battle of El Alamain and I personally spent time in Afghanistan, I'd prefer to wear shorts any day of the week instead of trousers. Other than that, I have a shirt wrapped around my chest with the sleeves rolled up along with a set of webbing secured to my chest.

Swinging my legs over the side of the cot, I slowly push myself to my feet and step around the makeshift bed to stand before my team. "Rise and shine everybody." Tilting my head to the opening of the tent, I look outside to see the dunes of the desert shrouded in darkness, "Well, maybe not rise and shine. Either way, it's time to get up and to see what our deployment is."

As everyone climbs out of bed, Matrix releases an irritated groan, "Not this again."

Starry Night and Night Star both look around in confusion as they approach me. "John?" Starry asks. "What is this? Chaser said we'd be doing some training tonight, but we certainly weren't expecting this."

Moving back to my bed, I reach for the M1A1 Thompson submachine gun which is hooked over the end. Securing it over my shoulder, I turn back to the two Thestral recruits, "It's a dream thrown together by Luna in order to allow us to train in combat situations. We're at El Alamein where we'll be fighting off German and Italian forces in order to secure the location and prevent the Axis advance further into the Middle-East. You'll feel every bit of pain so make sure you don't get shot."

"What's a German?" Starry asks in confusion as her husband only offers a response by shrugging.

"A person from Germany. You'll be fighting humans like me, so make sure you don't hit the British ones. Chaser and Sunny will explain the training to you. I need to find out which fight we're taking part in and what our orders are." Stepping to the side, I approach Luna as I find her adjusting the set of webbing around her waist. "Need a hand?"

Luna shakes her head as her magic loosens the straps of her webbing, "I've got it."

"So, you want to join in again? Not satisfied with sitting on a cloud?"

"Last time we were in a dream, we were stuck in a hot metal box." Releasing the straps on her webbing, she levitates another Thompson from out of view and secures it around her back. "I want to help where I can, even if it means I need to get into the centre of the battle. You don't need to worry about me, John. I can handle myself in a fight." Turning her head to the side, she cocks her brow in confusion as her magic takes hold of something, "Why have we got these instead of helmets?"

Turning my head, my eyes widen as I find two pairs of hats levitating before me. Taking hold of one I rotate it in my hands as I examine its features. It is a wide-brimmed felt hat with the left side of the brim turned up and pinned to the side of the hat with a cap badge displaying a brass crown with the text 'Australian Commonwealth Military Forces.' Placing the bush hat on my head, I look back to Luna, "We have them because we're with the Australian army fighting alongside the British forces."

Luna looks approvingly at me as she fits her own bush hat, "You look pretty good in that."

Grinning, I run my finger across the brim of my hat before responding in my best attempt at an Australian accent, "Cheers, Sheila."

Luna shakes her head as a soft chuckle escapes her lips, "Why are you doing that voice?"

"I'm just practising my Australian." Clearing my throat, I continue to speak in an Australian accent, "G'day mate. Didgeridoo. Shrimp on the barbie. Wallaby. Hugh Jackman." Stepping to the side, I turn back to Luna, "I'm ready. Let's go." As we step into the dark desert, I glance to the basic wristwatch which is secured around my left wrist to see that the time is 21:22.

"You sound ridiculous speaking with that accent."

"I know." I look back at my team as they join me outside, unlike myself and Luna, they've been given helmets in order to help protect them. Most of the team have been issued with the Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk I, the standard issue rifle for Commonwealth forces in the Second World War. Chaser was once again given Thompsons like they had on D-day, Crimson has a scope mounted on her rifle and Georg was acting as our Sections support gunner with a Bren.

As Georg examines it, he steps alongside me, "Why have I got this instead of the BAR?"

"Because we're fighting for the Brits, not the Yanks. Besides, the Bren is better... in my opinion. Larger magazine, interchangeable barrel, better rate of fire, making it the more superior weapon for the support role. More rounds down range to keep the enemy hugging the ground. Don't get me wrong, the BAR is a good gun, its magazine is just not sufficient for a support gun."

Chuckling, Georg runs his talon across the weapon, "I'll be the judge of which weapon is better. You're obviously just biased 'cause it's the weapon of your army."

"Was the weapon of my army," I correct him. "We use something even better now, it weighs a tonne but it's a superb support weapon." Moving through the army camp, my team follow close as I try to find a senior officer in order to get our orders for the night.

As I approach a Major, I give him a salute which he quickly returns. "Captain, your Unit is needed five miles east of our location," He states in a broad Australian accent. "Montgomery want us to conduct a series of raids under the cover of darkness to destroy Jerry's supply depots and to make a hole to support the New Zealand Division and the 10th Armoured at the northern corridor. An artillery bombardment is due to commence at 21:30 to dig Jerry out of their holes and to provide cover, you'll have to push as the sappers clear anti-tank mines to allow armoured support to push through. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," I respond with a slight Australian accent. I just couldn't help myself.

The Major looks at me with an unamused expression, "Get a bloody move on." As he turns to step off, I hear him mutter under his breath, "Limey git."

The others all look at me as I stare back at the officer. Clearing her throat, Sunny steps in front of me, "Limey?"

Shrugging I step towards a number of supply tents as the others follow me, "He clearly saw through the uniform and could tell that I was a Brit. Come on, let's get some transport." Moving around a number of soldiers and supply dumps, I find a number of vehicles with various maintenance crew members working on them and pieces of kit. A Willys Jeep catches my eye as I notice an engineer stepping away as he closes the bonnet. Stepping up to him, he slowly turns his gaze to me, "I'll be needing this Jeep."

The mechanic wipes his hands on an oily rag as he glances back to me, "Sorry, sir. This Jeep is under the control of the 2nd New Zealand Division."

Giving him my best officers glare, I step closer to him as my height allows me to tower over him. "This vehicle belongs to the King's army, whether it belongs to the Kiwi's or the Brits. And as an officer of the King's army, I will be taking control of this vehicle. Is that understood?"

The mechanic quickly snaps to attention as he gives a salute, "Y-yes, sir."

As the mechanic slinks away, Chaser gives a soft chuckle, "You are such a Rupert."

Grinning I step up to the Jeep, "I know." Examining it more closely, I can see that a small trailer is attached to the rear of the open-top Jeep allowing me to transport more of us within the vehicle. "We won't all fit in, so anyone who can't fly will get the privilege of riding with me. Chaser, you're in command of the fliers. You'll act as your own Section when we enter combat, for now, I want you all to stick close." As Luna is about to join the other fliers in the air, I rest my hand on her back. "Not you. You'll be joining me up front... in order to provide you with an insight as to how your Captain operates."

Luna rolls her eyes as she steps to the side of the Jeep, "Very well." Examining the two front seats, she climbs into the passenger seat as Sunny and Slicer enter the rear with the rest climbing into the trailer attached to the rear. Climbing into the driver's seat, I grab the key which sits in the ignition and prepare to turn it. "Do you know how to do this?" Luna asks.

Turning the key, the engine gives a roar as it springs to life. "It's like riding a bike, you never forget." Compressing the clutch, I put the Jeep in gear before applying the accelerator. The Jeep begins to roll, but instead of moving forward it slowly creeps backwards causing me to activate the brakes. "Why the fuck is it reversing?"

Clearing her throat, Luna taps a metal plate on the front console showing the transmission, unlike conventional cars it seems that the first gear position has been switched with reverse leaving the first gear sitting in the second gears position. Putting the Jeep into first gear, we begin to move in the correct direction as we follow the dirt road leading towards the frontline. "I thought you said you knew what you were doing," Luna adds with a sly smirk.

"It's not my fault this thing only has" -Leaning to the side I look at the transmissions controls- "Three gears? What kind of car only has three gears?" As I continue down the dirt road, we move towards the outskirts of the camp as those who can fly glide effortlessly overhead in order to keep up. As we leave the illuminated camp, the road becomes more unsettled as we try to navigate the dark desert. "We should be there soon."

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As we got closer to our destination, we could hear the thunderous roar of the artillery bombardment as it took place, the flashes from the guns and detonating shells acted as a natural beacon as they illuminated the night sky. Following the makeshift beacon and directions Luna was giving me from a local map, we were able to reach the artillery line alongside the rest of the Australian forces.

Since the advance to the German positions would be riddled with anti-tank mines, it was a no-brainer to leave the Jeep behind since it would activate the mines as soon as it rolled over them. We remained in position with the Australians as we waited for the bombardment to come to an end, the scattered barrage would be switched to precision strikes in order to eliminate defensive positions as we advanced.

The spectacle was unlike anything I had ever seen during my time in the army. At most, I've only seen five artillery guns firing on one location, out here there was over one-thousand guns continuously firing on the German positions. I could see the nerves of many of the soldiers as the guns fired, they knew that this battle could be their last, but it didn't seem to deter them in the slightest.

After half an hour of continuous firing, the barrage from the guns finally begins to slow. Grasping onto my Thomspon, I load a round into the chamber as I look back to my team, "We'll be making our push now. I want everyone to stick close, don't go running off or you'll likely die. Chaser, take your Section and try to provide cover for us as we move, if you can, try to advance low to the ground like you did on D-day to set up firing positions for the rest of us."

After a brief pause, the sound of one of the officer's whistle pierces through the night to signify the beginning of the attack. Many of the Australian infantry make a rapid push as my Section follow closely behind. With Chaser taking all of those who could fly, apart from Luna, I have Colbalt, Crimson, Silver, Slicer, and Sunny in my Section.

Running across the open plains of the desert, we soon found ourselves within the German minefield. Most of the mines are anti-tank mines which will cause us no issues since we can't trigger them, however, there are also anti-personnel mines littered through the desert. We're alerted to these as a soldier in front of us is thrown from the ground in a heavy cloud of dust. Impacting the floor, he lets out a distressed scream as he clings on to what remains of his left leg.

Jumping over the small crater, I continue my advance over the desert as we reach a slight incline. Scaling the sand hill, a number of German flares are fired into the air from their defensive positions on the other side of the mound, illuminating our position. Reaching the top of the hill alongside a number of soldiers, we're quickly met with MG42 fire as it tears through a group of soldiers causing me to drop onto my buckle on instinct. Crawling backwards, I lift my Thompson and return a small burst of fire.

As everyone joins alongside me, George deploys the bipod of his Bren and begins to return short bursts alongside a number of support gunners who start to fire on the Germans below. Lifting my head, I quickly study the fortifications below. A small series of concrete trenches make up the defensive line, the occasional elevated position acts as a gun position housing either MG42's or Pak 38 anti-tank guns. A mixture of German and Italian infantry occupy the trenches armed with a variety of small arms as they prepare to engage the advancing force.

As Chaser's Section and a number of Australian forces begin to return fire on the line, Sunny crawls alongside me. "What's the plan, John?"

"We need to get into the trenches and engage the enemy up close. The only problem is, there's a lot of open ground between us and the trenches." Scanning over the trench line, I try to look for a weak point in the defence line. "We need to make a hole and exploit it." Checking the various gun positions, I notice an MG42 crew which is isolated from the majority of the enemy forces on our right flank. "Crimson, come over her."

Crawling up to me, she rests her rifle on her hooves as she adjusts her helmet. Lifting my hand I point towards the weapon in question, "Do you see that crew?" Crimson nods her head. "I need you to take them out. Pick off any hostiles which try to take control of that weapon or any infantry which try to reinforce it. As you give us sniper cover, we'll make a push." Grasping onto her weapon, she looks down her optics as she slowly exhales.

PHAT

Firing off a round, the loader for the MG42 is hit in the throat causing blood to spray over the gunner as he collapses. Before the Gunner can react, Crimson loads another round into the chamber and adjusts her aim.

PHAT

The round pierces his eyes causing his brain matter to escape from the rear of his skull and helmet as his body slumps forward on the weapon. Patting her on the back, I shift my gaze to Chaser. "Take your team as fast and low as you can across the desert floor and take that position. Wait for my command before you move, we'll provide covering fire." Glancing around, I wait for everyone to get into position before raising my weapon, "Covering Fire!"

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT

After firing off a number of rounds, I drop to the floor as we're quickly targeted by a firing line. The plan works as Chaser's section is able to glide low across the floor to the opening Crimson created, we keep watch to ensure that we fire on any Axis forces which try to engage them en route. As I empty the last of my magazine, they reach their destination and dig into the defensive structure to provide a volley of gunfire directed along the entire trench line to enfilade their position.

As I change my magazine, Luna leans over the top to fire a volley towards the enemy causing a bullet casing to land on the back of my neck and to travel down my shirt. I release a pained hiss as the hot casing singes my flesh before I'm able to grab onto it and remove it from my shirt. Placing a fresh magazine into my weapon, I look over the top of the hill to see a Pak 38 switching targets to fire on our group. As the gunnery officer lowers his arm to signal the gun to fire, I lunge forward to wrap my arms around Luna and drop her to the floor.

BOOM

Dirt and debris is hurled at us as the force of the shockwave sends us both rolling down the hill. As we tumble across the sand out of sight from the enemy, we come to a grinding halt as Luna's horn illuminates, allowing her to catch us in her magic. Releasing her hold of us, we fall the last inch onto the sand with myself on top of her. Pushing myself off from on top of her, I look down at her as she seems to be looking at me dazed. "Luna, are you okay?"

Luna looks at me in confusion as her ears twitch, "What!?"

"Are you hurt?"

As I start to run my hand over her body to check for injuries, Luna shakes her head, "I can't hear you!" Closing her eyes, her horn glows a faint blue as her magical aura seems to penetrate her ears. After a moment, her magic dissipates as she looks back at me. "What did you say!?" Luna asks in a loud voice before she smiles sheepishly, "Sorry."

"I was asking if you were hurt," Grasping hold of her, I quickly help her onto her hooves as another wave of Australian forces advances past us onto the hill. "We need to help the others. Chaser and his team are at risk in that trench by themselves. We need to push forward."

Turning to step off, Luna's hoof pulls on my shoulder, causing me to face her. "Thank you for saving me, John."

Grinning I pull her with me as I start to move up the hill, "I can't have my girlfriend getting blown to one-thousand pieces." Reaching the top with the others, I retrieve my Thompson from the floor and load a round into the chamber before firing another burst towards the enemy. Kneeling down, I rest a hand on Sunny's back as she reloads her rifle, "We're gonna make a quick push. Do you think that you can provide us with a shield as we move?"

Sunny inserts her clip into the rifle before pushing the bolt forward, "I can try. It won't hold for long if we're being heavily fired upon."

"It doesn't have to be perfect, just better than thin air."

"Then I can do it." Closing her eyes to focus, Sunny begins to channel her magical energy in order to create a four-meter wide magical barrier in front of her. With the barrier set, our team quickly position behind it as she begins to move forward. As we begin to run across the desert toward the weakened defence line, a large number of the Australian infantry join behind us to create a large push.

With the large force charging their position, the Axis forces are unable to prioritise their targets. Rounds begin to fly in both directions as both sides frantically engage one another. A few rounds come in our direction, thanks to Sunny's shield they're unable to reach us as the magical barrier stops the stray bullets in their tracks. Reaching the edge of the trench, we close with the enemy to engage in close quarter combat. Standing over the trench, I keep my Thompson resting against my hip as I aim down at two Italian soldiers below me.

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT

The .45 ACP rounds from the Thompson make light work of my targets, the cloth on their bodies provide them with no protection, allowing their bodies to be cut open as the rounds pierce their flesh. As the two targets drop to the floor, I jump into the trench and take aim down the length of the fortification toward a group of Italian and German troops. Keeping the trigger compressed, I fire off the rest of my magazine into the crowd. The rate of fire from my position and the enemies lack of cover allows my rounds to eliminate them before they're even aware of my presence.

As the others leap into the trench with me, they begin to engage targets down range as I reach for a new magazine. Running my hand over the magazine pouch of my webbing, I freeze as I'm unable to find any magazines. Looking down at my webbing, I find the magazine pouches to be empty. Fuck... the magazines must have fallen out as I was thrown down the hill. How did I fuck up the first rule... make sure all kit is secured at all times.

Needing a weapon, I kneel down and reach out for a Carcano rifle which is pinned beneath the Italian soldier I had just killed. As I try to pry the rifle from underneath his body, I come to a stop as I slowly lift my head. An idea pops to the front of my brain as I turn my neck to look behind me. Sitting a few meters down the trench line is the MG42 which belonged to the crew Crimson eliminated. Standing up, I begin to move towards the weapon, "I need a volunteer!"

Climbing the two makeshift steps to the elevated position, I move behind the weapon and begin to remove it from the fixed tripod as a set of hooves move behind me. Removing the clamp from the underside of the MG42, I catch Silver from the corner of my eye as he steps to the other side of the fixed position. "What do you need me to do!?" He asks as he examines the weapon.

I lift my free hand and point it to the ammo boxes which sit on the floor, "Grab hold of those boxes and any ammo belts you can find!" As I hear the clattering metal of the ammo boxes, I'm able to remove the last restraints in order to allow me to move the MG42 from its stand. The weapon itself has the weight similar to that of a GPMP allowing me to carry it with relative ease as I step back into the trench.

Running through the trench to reach the rest of my Section, I can hear continuous fire as Chaser's Section have rejoined us and are firing upon the enemy in the next trench line. As they continue to provide covering fire for our advancing forces, I deploy the MG42's bipod on the edge of the trench line with the weapon aimed towards the enemy. As I set it up, Silver moves to my left side and rests the boxes on the floor.

"Silver, I need you to be my loader! Keep the ammo coming and make sure you keep a weak grasp of the rounds to ensure they feed correctly!" Opening the boxes, we find numerous belts of ammunition along with additional barrels. Grasping onto the first belt, he throws it over his back as he levitates another one alongside me. As Luna reloads her own Thompson, she seems to watch us with curiosity as I begin to load it.

Okay, let's see if I can remember how to load this. Grasping onto the cover, I lift it up to show me the internals of the weapon. A used belt is still loaded with only a few rounds left. Grabbing the belt, I remove it from the weapon and throw it to the side as I fire off the action. Grabbing the cocking handle, I pull it to the rear in order to lock the bolt to the rear before I push the handle forward once again. Leaning forward, I grab the feed tray from the underside of the cover and lower it to the base of the weapon.

Taking hold of the end of the ammo belt in Silver's grasp, I place it on the feed tray as I make sure the bullet is lined up correctly. With the round in the correct position, I lower the top cover and lock the belt in position. With the MG42 loaded, I press the butt of the weapon into my shoulder as I aim down range towards the Axis heads which occasionally pop out from their trenches. Let's see how you like a taste of your own medicine.

Compressing the trigger, a succession of rounds rapidly escape the barrel as they're forced down range towards the enemy. Everyone around me pauses briefly as they look wide-eyed at the MG42 as I continue to fire off bursts of ammunition towards the enemy. The rate of which the rounds leave the weapon sends a shiver down my spine as the butt pushes back against my shoulder. Casings continue to rain down onto the floor as the ammo belt continues to pull through the weapon.

After firing off the first ammo belt, I lift the top cover and pull the bolt to the rear as Silver places a fresh belt in position. When I close the cover, I watch as the belt of ammunition begins to glow a cherry red as the glow of Silver's horn intensifies. When I compress the trigger, the rounds are ejected from the barrel in a red blur as they head towards the enemy. Small sparks begin to materialise where the bullets impact the sand. When a bullet impacts the chest of a German soldier, his clothes and skin instantly ignites as his body is engulfed in flames. Incindinary ammunition? Impressive.

As I reach the end of my second belt of ammo, I can see plumes of steam rising from the barrel from the continuous firing. After pulling the bolt to the rear, I reach along the right side of the body and pull back on the latch which allows the barrel to pop out of the side of the weapon. Picking up a used casing, I insert it into the trunion of the barrel and remove it entirely, allowing it to drop to the floor. With the barrel removed, I grab hold of a new one and insert it into the weapon before closing the latch.

Completing my barrel change, I continue to support our advancing forces by suppressing the enemy. After a few seconds, Silver's magical grip on the ammo belt collapses as he releases an exhausted groan. I tilt my head to him as I continue to fire, "Whats wrong!?"

Panting he takes hold of the ammo belt once again in his magic, but this time fails to enchant them. "Enchanting the ammunition takes a lot of effort! You're firing off too many!"

"Blame the buzzsaw! I didn't invent it!" Finishing the belt of ammo, I lift the cover and insert a fresh one-hundred-and-fifty round ammo belt into the weapon. Taking it from Silver's grasp, I wrap it over my left arm as I rise to my feet. "We need to push forward! Everyone get behind me and prepare to get up close and personal!" Climbing up the trench wall, I once again step into the desert and advance with a group of advancing infantry towards the next trench line.

Moving across the desert, I occasionally halt my movement in order to drop low and fire the occasional burst towards the enemy. I'm not firing this thing whilst I'm standing, it will just bounce all over the place. My team are soon behind me as we continue to push forward, Chaser's Section fly overhead and quickly dive into the enemy trench line and start to engage in melee fights with the enemy.

As we move closer to the trench, the distinctive high-pitched whistle of incoming mortars make their appearance. The sand and dirt around us if lifted from the ground as mortar shells begin to impact with the desert. Multiple soldiers are thrown from their positions as shells land on their positions as we move closer. I can feel my own heartbeat increasing with every mortar which impacts the ground, memories from my personal experiences in Afghanistan rushing to the front of my brain.

BOOM

A blistering heat canvases the back of my exposed legs and neck as I'm lifted from my feet, the pain of various pieces of metal piercing my skin sends an excruciating pain through my flesh. I impact hard with the floor as my weapon clatters to the floor, my hat is thrown from my head as it lands in the sand alongside me. My ears ring as I try to regain my senses. Before I realise what is going on, I'm rolled onto my back as Sunny and Slicer stand over me as Luna continues to fire towards the enemy.

As Sunny's horn glows in an attempt to lift me, a distinctive crack breaks through the battlefield. I watch as the rear of her helmet is torn open and metal and bone fragments are ejected from the rear of her head. Her lifeless body collapses on top of me, my shirt and face quickly becoming covered in blood as her lifeless body twitches on top of me. Slicer moves to roll her body off of me before she buries her forehooves under my arms to help lift me up.

I fight through the pain and push myself to my feet, agony runs through my legs as I feel my own blood trickling across my flesh from multiple shrapnel wounds on my back. I hobble over the battlefield towards the rest of my team as Luna throws up a magical barrier to protect the three of us. With Slicer supporting my weight, we're able to join the others in a section of the trench line as they reload ready for the next fight.

Slumping against the wall of the trench, I slide to the floor as I keep a hold of the back of my legs. Reaching to the side, I pry a Thompson from a dead Australian Soldier's hands and begin to dig through his webbing for additional ammunition. Chaser looks down at me as I continue emptying various pouches, "Where is Sunny!?"

Pausing, I lift my head, "She didn't make it." Chaser's face drops as he lifts his head to look over the trench towards our previous position. "There's nothing you can do. It's just a dream, remember that."

Chaser releases a shallow sigh as he turns back to me, "Yeah... you're right."

Slicer quickly moves up to me and begins to examine the rear of my neck. As she does this, Luna sits down alongside me as she reloads her own weapon. "What do we do now? Can you continue?"

I look to Slicer as her forehooves run over the rear of my neck, "It depends on what the doctor says. I've had worse."

"It doesn't matter what I'd say," Slicer adds as she wipes her bloodied forehooves against my shirt. "You have a track record for ignoring medical professionals. It's also nothing serious. I'd have to remove the shrapnel, but it hasn't penetrated the skin more than a couple of millimetres. It's just a flesh wound."

Wincing slightly from the discomfort from my legs, I shakily climb to my feet as I look to the others. "This is the last trench line, we'll need to clear out the trench line and the fortifications in the area. There should be a compound on the other side of the hill, there'll be numerous supplies we need to either capture or destroy. That will be our rally point. I think it may be best if we move in one force to take the compound, but it would be beneficial to have a small unit flank the enemy positions. Chaser, take everyone and seize the compound, Luna and I will move up on the flank and provide cover."

Everyone looks at me sceptically. "Are you sure that is wise?" Janine asks

"Yeah," Starry adds. "Just the two of you moving up will be a risk. You could easily be outnumbered."

Grinning, I step up to Luna and rest my arms on her back. "You forget one important thing. We have a powerful demigod at our disposal."

Luna cocks a brow as she turns her head to face me, "I thought you didn't want me to use any advanced spells?"

"Initially, but I figure we may as well do. This is a war, you don't play fair in war." Stepping to the one end of the trench, I survey the distance and find the opening to an underground pillbox. "Luna, and I shall head this way and secure the pillbox. Hopefully, it will have a line of sight on the compound so we can provide covering fire." Moving along the trench, I look back to the others, "Move slow and methodically. We'll eliminate the enemy MG42 and take command of it."

As Chaser begins to bark orders at his team, Luna and I advance along the trench line in order to approach the pillbox. As we slowly walk with our weapons raised, Luna steps close to me. "I know that this is just a dream... but, you had me worried when you were hit in the open."

I slowly nod my head as I keep my eyes forward, "Well, we do still feel pain. My legs and neck are killing me. It also doesn't help when my back is slowly getting covered in blood."

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Luna asks with some concern.

"I'll live. Like Slicer said, it's just a flesh wound." Reaching the opening of the pillbox, I can hear the sound of rapid machinegun fire and German chatter coming from within. Taking a knee, I quickly lean around the opening with my weapon raised. The first section is an open room, a small firing hole is located on the far wall where two Germans are operating the MG42. On the right of the room is an Officer alongside two radio operators who appear to be relaying information. to the left is a concrete passageway which likely leads deeper into the fortification.

Hiding behind the concrete entrance, I point to the grenade which sits on Luna's webbing and gesture for her to give it to me. With her magic, she levitates it in front of my hand until I take hold of it. Lowering the Thompson to the side, I secure the grenade in both hands as I remove the pin. I keep the lever compressed as I prepare myself to throw it in. Releasing the lever, I count down two seconds before rolling the grenade into the centre of the room.

BOOM

Dust and debris plume from the bunker entrance as we find ourselves submerged in a wall of smoke. As the dust settles, I take the lead and enter the room with Luna following close behind. Only one German survived the blast, it seems that his location at the radio saved his life as the officer took the brunt of the shrapnel. As he writhes in agony on the floor, I step over and kneel on the floor alongside him. Taking a knife out of the end of his boot, I roll him onto his back before plunging the blade into his heart to end his suffering.

"Feuer öffnen!" A voice shouts out from the corridor of the pill box before a succession of rapid shots fill our room. I quickly dive to the side as Luna jumps back. As the German's continue to fire, she levitates her Thompson to the corridor and fires off the full magazine blindly around the corner. It seems to have worked at making the Germans duck as they stop firing. After a pregnant pause, I watch in horror as a stick grenade lands in the centre of the room between both Luna and I. As I stare in shock, Luna's magic rapidly generates a small field around the explosive device.

BOOM

I wait for the inevitable jolt as I wake up, but it never comes. Looking back towards the grenade, I stare at it in amazement as I find all of the shrapnel and fragments of the device being suspended within Luna's grasp. As Luna focuses, she carries the contents of the grenade in her magic and pushes it down the corridor towards the Germans, from the sounds of it, they're also staring in astonishment as I can't hear any movement of chatter. Looking to Luna's horn, the glow intensifies before cutting off as the sound of agonising screams fill the room.

Climbing to my feet, I step around to the opening with my Thompson raised. Observing the sight before me, I can see four German soldiers clinging onto their bodies as the shrapnel from their own grenades appear to have been embedded into their own bodies.

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT

I fire in an arch, ensuring that I hit all of the downed enemies to put them out of their missery. As the bullet casing clatter to the floor, I turn my head to Luna as she steps alongside me to see the effects of her magic. Luna doesn't seem to be put off by the violence or the injuries she caused, her expression remains stoic as she observes the scene. I keep my Thompson aimed down the corridor as I glance to Luna, "There may be more fur-"

I'm cut off by the sounds of bullets impacting concrete from the entrance to the pillbox, the shouting of German soldiers indicating that more are outside and preparing to move in. Luna steps into the centre of the room as she reloads her Thompson, "I can keep them back. You push ahead, I'll be okay."

Stepping alongside her, I grasp a grenade from her webbing and pull the pin before throwing the explosive device outside into the trench. "I thought you were supposed to be taking orders from me."

BOOM

"If you'd prefer it, you can try and hold off against an unknown number of soldiers with no magic at your disposal," Luna responds casually as she aims towards the opening.

Sighing, I glance to the corridor. If we both stay here, there is the risk that any Germans within this pillbox could flank us whilst we focus on the entrance. Luna's magic is more than a match in close quarters, she'll be able to hold them off as I move in. I keep my Thompson raised as I step into the corridor, "Shout if you need me."

As I start to move in deeper, I can hear the sound of Luna's weapon firing rapidly as she begins to engage the enemy. Rounding a corner, I come across a steel door which remains partially open against a concrete wall. As I move closer, I keep my weapon ready as I can hear the sound of an MG42 firing within. Creeping up to the steel door, I peer through the gap to see the gun crew as they fire on targets below. Standing up, I keep my weapon at the ready in my right hand as I push the door open with my left. By the time the Germans turn to see me, I'm already standing in an open doorway with my weapon pointed at them.

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT

The weapon suddenly stops firing as I keep the trigger compressed, despite this, the two lifeless bodies slowly slide down against the wall as their blood is transferred to the concrete. As I move to step back in order to inspect my weapon, a primal scream comes from the other side of the door. With his rifle raised, a German moves around the steel door and attempt to aim point blank at my head. On instinct, I raise my left arm and smack the rifle to the side with the rear of my forearm as he fires his weapon.

The sound deafens me as the rifle fires off alongside my left ear. As my ear rings, I keep his rifle to the side as I raise my Thompson in my right hand to fire point blank into his gut. Despite my finger compressing the trigger, the weapon fails to fire. Now!? Of all the times you decide to jam, you pick now!? Releasing the Thompson, it falls to my right side on its sling as I swing for the German's jaw. The blow knocks him back, causing his grip on the rifle to falter as it clatters to the floor alongside me.

Rushing forward, I wrap my arms around his chest and rugby tackle him onto a table, causing various pieces of documentation to be thrown from the surface. As we roll on the table, my head impacts the wooden surface causing my vision to distort before we both slam against the concrete floor. Before I regain my senses, the German is able to climb over my body and deliver a succession of rapid strikes to my cheek and jaw.

As the pain in my face intensifies, I wrap my arms around his neck and buck my hips causing his body to shift higher against mine. With his body in this new position, I'm able to easily roll him to the side to allow myself to be on top as his helmet falls off his head. Before he can retaliate, I force my head forward causing my forehead to impact with the bridge of his nose with a resounding crunch.

Lifting my arm, I force my right elbow down on his windpipe resulting in him spluttering for breath. As his right arm moves from underneath my body, I feel an unbearable agaony shoot through my back as something pierces my flesh. Falling to the side, I hear something clatter to the floor as warm blood begins to pool down my back. Rolling to the side, I find the bloodied knife on the floor as the soldier leaps from his position and lands over me.

He continues to deliver rapid punches to my gut as I'm unable to move, I'm forced to wildly swing my legs at his back in an attempt to kick him off of me. As my kick knocks him off balance, I'm able to free my arms as I force them against his head. With my hands keeping his head secured, I roll us to the side causing the rear of his skull to impact with the cold concrete bellow.

With myself on top, I press my thumbs over his eyes and begin to push with all my might. He begins to scream frantically as his arms flail wildly to the side, the volume of his cries of torture only increase as I apply more pressure. As I force my thumbs into his eye sockets, I repeatedly lift his head in order to slam it against the concrete. As blood begins to pool from his eyes, I remove my left hand and reach out for his steel helmet.

With his helmet in my grasp, I take control of it in both hands before slamming it against his forehead. The first impact knocks his head back into the floor as blood quickly starts to drain from the rear of his head and a deep gash on his forehead. In my anger I bring the helmet down again and again as the gash intensifies in size, vast volumes of blood run over his face and cover the floor before him as he remains motionless.

Panting for air, I drop the helmet to the floor allowing the steel to clatter against the solid concrete. My back feels as though it's on fire, it doesn't seem as though the blade penetrated that deep but I seem to be losing a large volume of blood. As I slowly slump to the side, the sound of steel grinding against the floor catches my attention as the door slams shut. Lifting my head I see Luna leaning against the door as she looks around the room.

When she notices me, her eyes widen before she rushes over to me. Lowering herself to the floor, she rests her forehooves under my head and lifts me slightly. "John, where are you hurt?"

Groaning, I point to my back, "The fucker stabbed me." Luna cautiously rolls me over to examine the wound, I release a hiss as my body twists as she moves me. As her horn glows, she lowers her head as her magical energy channels into my lower back. I quickly feel my pain subside slightly as the volume of blood escaping my body seems to decrease. After a few moments, the magical energy cuts off as Luna looks down at me.

Slowly lifting her head, she looks at the German soldier lying alongside me as his blood continues to trickle onto the floor. "You... you went for his eye?" Luna asks with some concern.

Groaning, I try to sit up as she releases her hold on me. "I had little options. I had to take him out before he stabbed me again." Forcing myself up, I stumble to the side as the loss of blood makes me feel light headed. Stepping alongside the opening of the pillbox, I look outside at the compound bellow. It seems that the main fight here is over, the rest of the Rangers and the Australians have secured the compound with only a few Germans remaining on the outskirts. As I look to the Rangers, I'm unable to see any sign of Silver or Matrix.

Luna steps alongside me to view the compound below, "It seems that your team were able to complete their mission for this session. However, you did lose two of your soldiers."

"I'll have to ask what happened with Matrix and Silver, but I already know how to prevent another incident similar to what happened with Sunny."

"And what is that?" Luna asks with intrigue.

I release a soft sigh as I look to Luna, "As horrible as it sounds, we would leave the wounded soldier."

"W-what?" Luna looks at me with slight distaste as she steps back.

"We wouldn't risk ourselves to treat or retrieve a wounded soldier. We're taught to leave them until it is safe to treat them. If we attempt to send a soldier out to recover a wounded soldier, you risk losing two soldiers in a firefight rather than one. If it is safe to do so then we'll get the wounded soldier. Sunny came out to help me when it wasn't safe, so rather than losing just me, we ended up potentially losing two soldiers."

Luna watches the others outside as she pauses momentarily, "I suppose it makes sense. In a situation like this, you'll need every soldier you can. I don't particularly like the policy, but I can see the reasoning behind it." She slowly steps up to me as she examines my blood soaked uniform. Using her magic, she lifts her hat from her head and places it on mine. With a soft smile, she leans closer, "You look good in this uniform... minus the blood, obviously."

Smirking, I rest my hand on the side of her neck, "You don't look too bad either. Maybe the Princess of the night needs a special uniform when she is with the Rangers on a formal parade."

Chuckling, she shakes her head, "I'll let you wear the uniforms for the both of us." As she tilts her head to the side, her horn begins to glow. In a matter of seconds, our surroundings begin to slowly dissipate as a sudden wave of energy passes through me.

My eyes slowly creak open as I feel the weight between my arms moving. Slowly waking up, I find myself to be back in my room with Luna as she slowly turns her body to face me. Smiling, I lean closer to her and place a delicate kiss on her lips before resting my head back on my pillow. Reaching my arm out to the bedside table, I look at the clock on my phone and see that I've still got a couple of hours until the sun is due to rise.

As I lie back, Luna leans towards me and rests her head on my chest. I watch as her head slowly rises and falls with every breath I take. In a matter of minutes, I can hear the distinctive sound of heavy breathing as she seems to have fallen asleep. Grinning to myself, I carefully run my hand over the fur on the side of her chest as I slowly drift off into my own sleep.

I'll never get tired of having Luna by my side at night